The Best 7-Layer Dip
User Reviews
4.8
The Best 7-Layer Dip
Description
The Best 7-Layer Dip combines several distinct layers to create a flavorful and textured appetizer. Starting with refried beans mixed with green or red salsa creates a smooth and mildly spicy base. The guacamole is prepared by mashing ripe avocados with lime juice, cilantro, and seasoning, delivering a creamy and slightly tangy layer. Next, the sour cream is seasoned with chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to complement the other layers. Topping the dip with shredded Mexican blend cheese, tomatoes, sliced olives, and green onions adds color, richness, and fresh crunch that balance the creamy base layers.
The dip can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to 8-12 hours; keep in mind that longer refrigeration may cause the tomatoes to release liquid, slightly changing the texture. This layered presentation works well with tortilla chips for scooping and makes a practical option when preparing ahead for events. The careful layering and seasoning make it distinct among layered dips.
Ingredients
Bean Layer:
- 1 (30-ounce) (30-ounce) can refried beans about 3 1/2 cups, see note
- ½ cup green salsa or red salsa
Guacamole (see note):
- 3-4 avocado medium, ripe
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Sour Cream Layer:
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon oregano dried
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch black pepper
Other Layers:
- 1 ½ cups Mexican blend cheese monterey jack + cheddar, finely shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes chopped, see note
- 1 cup olives sliced
- ¼ cup green onion finely chopped, or chives
Instructions
- For the bean layer, mix the refried beans and salsa together until creamy and smooth. Evenly spread in a 9X13-inch (or slightly smaller) dish.
- For the guacamole, mash the avocados, lime juice, cilantro and salt and pepper together until desired consistency (for this recipe, I like the guacamole mostly smooth with just a few small chunks). Spread the guacamole evenly over the refried beans.
- For the sour cream layer, stir together the sour cream and all the seasonings until smooth and evenly combined. Spread evenly over the guacamole, covering completely all the way to the edges so the guacamole doesn't turn brown.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the sour cream followed by the tomatoes, olives, and green onions (or chives).
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The dip can be made 8-12 hours in advance (and probably longer, although it might get a bit liquidy from the tomatoes if refrigerated longer than that).
Notes
- Choose a salsa with a flavor and heat level you enjoy to customize the bean layer.
- For guacamole, ripe avocados mashed with fresh lime juice and cilantro provide a mostly smooth texture with some small chunks.
- Roma or cherry tomatoes are preferred to reduce excess liquid in the topping layer.
- The dip can be assembled up to 8-12 hours in advance and refrigerated; avoid longer refrigeration to prevent the tomatoes from making the dip watery.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 161kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 412mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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